Generation Z is typically described as a group of people born from 1995 to the current day. Typically, they are associated with being a generation obsessed with technology and modern media, often nicknamed the ‘iGeneration’.
Whilst Millenials have had to fight the stereotype that they are entitled, ‘Gen Zers’ are now gearing up to fight the stereotype that they are social media-obsessed young people unwilling to look up from their phones. Placed with the label of being anti-social and tech-addicted, they often have to read articles shaming their generation for being too involved in the world of social media.
But what does it truly mean to be part of Generation Z, and how may that impact the world today?
I spoke to two young people both part of Generation Z to gain their opinion on how their generation is perceived and what they would like the world to know.
“People should have an open mind before judging young people” - Toyosi Obisesan (aged 16)
“We’re seen as disruptive, rude and aggressive” was the answer to the question of what Generation Z is perceived as. Obisesan stated the negative connotations of the generation and the harsh judgements that Generation Z receives due to this stereotype and how damaging it can be towards a teenager. Whilst she acknowledges that there are some young people in the generation that fit this stereotype, Obisesan also highlights the lack of empathy for those in the generation who are not like that. Wanting adults to know that “because they were our age once does not mean they had the same struggles we face now” and that the teenage experience is different from what it was then. Emphasising the message of openness and awareness, a simple piece of advice given was to speak to the young people in your life and to share and listen to each other’s experiences.
There’s more to life than social media, likes and comments” - Tami Bamgbala (aged 16)
When asked what the perception of Generation Z is now, Bamgbala responded plainly with this: “That we’re glued to social media”. A very simple statement, yet one that many young people in this generation are stereotyped with. One key point that Bamgbala emphasised throughout the interview was the fact that social media is not something that she personally is obsessed with. Not only does she dislike this perception because she feels like “there’s more to life than social media”, but Bamgbola would also change this viewpoint if she had the power to but argued the point that because Generation Z is very young and still developing it would be hard to change the views of former generations. One prominent message that was revealed during this interview was the idea that social media is also not the root of all teenagers’ problems. Other aspects such as school, social lives and family problems are still significant issues that plague Generation Z. Tami herself is a Spanish prefect at Dartford Grammar School for Girls and takes part in advising others about Spanish and how to manage it with other subjects as well as promoting the Spanish department in various ways. Her work in school, as well as Toyosi who is a Business prefect, showcases the passion and hard work that the ‘iGeneration’ is capable of.
Her last words were: “To an extent, I am very proud to be part of this generation because as much as there are some bad aspects there are some really good ones as well.”
A positive outlook on a generation attached to such negative connotations.
By Jaynelle Osei
